Here's how you can navigate workplace conflicts as a mid-career professional in commercial leasing.
Navigating workplace conflicts effectively is a crucial skill for mid-career professionals in commercial leasing. The ability to handle disputes and disagreements with poise can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. As a commercial leasing professional, you are often the intermediary between property owners and tenants, which can lead to a unique set of challenges and conflicts. Understanding how to manage these situations not only helps maintain professional relationships but also ensures the smooth operation of leasing activities. Whether it's negotiating lease terms, addressing tenant concerns, or working with property management, having strategies in place to deal with conflicts is key to success in this field.
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Joshua SummersLeading Real Estate Leasing & Management Expert | Strategic Advisor for Family Offices & Investors | Driving Growth in…
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David Pennetta SIOR, LEED GAExecutive Managing Director @ Cushman & Wakefield | Unlocking opportunities, maximizing returns, helping clients and…
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Janelle Alladin-RiemanPrincipal Realty Specialist at WMATA
Understanding the nature of conflict is the first step in navigating workplace disagreements. In commercial leasing, conflicts can arise from miscommunications, differing interests, or competition for resources. Recognizing that conflict is a natural part of any business environment is essential. When you encounter discord, take a step back to assess the situation objectively. Identify the underlying causes and interests of all parties involved. This will help you approach the resolution process with a clear mind and a focus on finding a mutually beneficial solution.
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Never go into any situation before you know everything you can about why you’ll be there. Sometimes you can learn more advanced info than others. As a former litigator, that came up all the time and when we got lost in a case we would take a step back and try and regroup and re-identify the problem. Worked out every time.
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I set up meeting with all parties and have everyone bring up there concerns so there isn’t any miscommunication on the issue. I would also have them discuss their suggestions on both ends and come together with one resolution which may not be the answer for one person but at least the issue was discussed and everyone is aware of it.
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Different people process information and learn differently than one another. So don't get frustrated when someone asks questions surrounding an outcome that you feel will only have a very remote chance or occurring or questions you may feel are irrelevant. The old adage that you have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak applies here.
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I have found it helpful to avoid assumptions and to establish the facts in order to allow for successful resolution of issues and resolving misunderstandings. Open communication, active listening without judgement and not leaping to conclusions assists in gaining a clearer perspective and in enabling a win-win solution. Keeping emotions in check is essential to settling conflict professionally and amicably.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of resolving workplace conflicts. As a mid-career professional in commercial leasing, you must articulate your points clearly and listen actively to others. Practice empathy by trying to understand the perspective of your colleagues or clients. Ensure that you are not just hearing, but truly understanding what is being communicated. By fostering an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged, you can prevent many conflicts from escalating.
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Different people process information and learn differently than one another so make sure your communications apply to a broad range of backgrounds and personalities. I utilize life experience stories which are easier to understand and remember than just espousing rules and processes.
Negotiation is an integral part of commercial leasing and resolving conflicts. As a mid-career professional, you should refine your negotiation skills to find common ground and achieve agreements that satisfy all parties. Approach negotiations with a win-win mindset, aiming for solutions that everyone can accept. Being flexible and willing to compromise without sacrificing key interests is vital. Remember, successful negotiation is about balance and finding a path forward that respects everyone's needs.
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Negotiations is not about products or services; it's about influencing people. Done properly, a person can feel better about selling something even getting a lower price than a negotiation gone wrong but resulting in a higher price. Talk strategically, meaning you need to arrive somewhere in the conversation but may need to meander to get- but get there.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a significant role in conflict resolution. It involves being aware of and controlling your emotions, as well as being cognizant of the emotions of those around you. In commercial leasing, demonstrating high EQ can help you navigate tense situations with grace. When conflicts arise, stay calm and composed, use empathy to connect with others, and manage your reactions to maintain professionalism. Developing your EQ can lead to more positive outcomes and stronger professional relationships.
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Two people make up the Emotional Intelligence quotient- you and someone else. What makes you tick, gets you angry, frustrated, and aggressive. I figured this out early in my career by accident. I went to a women's help seminar title Dealing with Difficult People. I wound up being the only guy in the class and I was explaining why after a certain point in a situation that I would get very aggressive. I equated it back to my High/Jr High school days where there was racial conflict and violence. Once I realized the mechanism that was kicking it, I was intellectually able to distinguish what I was doing and was much better able to control it.
Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is vital for mid-career professionals in commercial leasing. When conflicts occur, having established rapport can make resolution smoother. Invest time in getting to know the people you work with, understand their goals and challenges, and show genuine interest in their well-being. Strong relationships are built on trust and respect, which can often prevent conflicts or make them easier to resolve when they do arise.
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Younger professionals ask me now how I got to develop strong personal relationships with business leaders with success and power. My answer is that most of them I know for decades when they were bank tellers or political aides. If you can recognize in others the ones that are on a path to success, above and beyond others, that how you build the very best relationships
Finally, as a mid-career professional in commercial leasing, you should commit to continuous learning to enhance your conflict resolution skills. Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops on negotiation and communication, and seek feedback on your conflict management style. Learning from each conflict situation helps you grow professionally and prepares you for future challenges. Embrace every conflict as an opportunity to learn and improve your professional capabilities.
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